Yahoo Movies 9 awesome skateboards for beginner boarders
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Skateboarding has long been considered a niche hobby but, since it was featured at the 2020 summer Olympics, it's blown up to be the must-try sport for kids everywhere. If you have a kid who has been turned on to skateboarding, you're probably looking for the best beginner skateboard to put under the Christmas tree. Have no fear! We've got you covered.
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Whether you're looking to gift them their first skateboard, or if they are ready to upgrade to something more substantial, we spoke with experts to get tips on what to look for when buying a board, and we pulled together a list of full skateboard packages we think are great. All of these are complete with trucks and wheels and are ready to roll.
What to look for when buying a kids’ skateboard
We’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you to always make sure they have quality protective gear, like a skateboard-specific helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads. After you’ve got safety checked off the list, these are tips for what to look for when shopping for a beginner skateboard.
Skateboard wheels
When shopping for a kids’ skateboard, you’ll find that there are two types of wheels to choose from: hard and soft. Hard are made from plastic, and soft are made from PU (polyurethane). We confirmed it with some experts, but—truthfully—anyone who has ridden a skateboard more than once will tell you that soft wheels are the only way to go.
Think of it like this: Soft wheels are like taking a ride in a car with quality tires. Plastic wheels are like going for a drive on your car’s rims. Plastic wheels give a jarring experience and make every maneuver more difficult. Soft wheels absorb the bumps in the road to make for a smoother ride, they also allow for a smoother stop, and for easier turning. When shopping for a complete board (one that has wheels, trucks and a deck), make sure you get one with PU wheels.
Skateboard size
We’ll let you in on a secret: Marketing aside, there is basically no difference between a kids’ skateboard and an adult skateboard. Most kids’ skateboards are about 6” wide but, truth be told, it’s going to be easier for kids to learn on a wider, standard 7.5” board. A wider board gives them greater stability and something to grow with. We spoke with Lamar Betts, of The Skateside skateboarding school in Los Angeles, California, and he says he always recommends a 7.5 for kids to start. They are easier to start with and they’ll last for much longer.
Skateboard decks and surfaces
The deck is the top of the skateboard that you ride on. Most boards are either plastic or made from wood—most often Canadian maple. On wooden boards you’ll often find “grip tape”, a sandpaper-like tape, covering the surface. That tape is there to help keep your feet from sliding off and it’s used on boards for riders of all ages and abilities.
While we definitely recommend grip tape for older kids learning to ride, keep in mind that if you have a smaller kid that wants to get used to their board by riding on their bums or bellies, it can be pretty uncomfortable and may even cause injuries. For younger kids, you may want to look for a plastic deck—just be sure it’s properly textured to prevent falls.
Stability of the board
When first learning to ride, it’s going to take a bit of work for kids to learn how to maintain their balance on a moving board. When looking for a board, be sure to search for ones that are reviewed and described as stable and sturdy. A wonky board makes for a wonky ride, which is discouraging to new learners.
Adjustability of the board
If your kid takes out their board and the wheels feel unstable, or turn too fast or too slowly, know that skateboarding is a visceral sport that’s all about customization and personal feel. All you need is to make a few adjustments with a skate key to get just the right fit. A skate key is a small wrench that may or may not come with your skateboard, but it’s a must-have for adjustments. Keep in mind that a tighter turn will make a board easier to learn on. Once your kid feels comfortable and wants to try out their tricks you can loosen it to their preference.
Don’t forget the shoes
After you’ve invested in a board, make sure your kid has the right kind of footwear. A good pair of flat-soled sneakers is recommended. Sneakers often have soles that are too thick or their heavy tread has too much grip on the board to allow for easy movement. We like Vans, the iconic skate shoe of choice, but any flat-soled sneaker will do.
Skateboards we recommend
Here are eight great starter boards for new skateboarders that’ll have them shredding the gnar in no time.
1. A superb starter skateboard for under $50
Dubbed a “superb starter board” by reviewers. This complete board comes with quality components at an unbeatable price, including a Canadian maple deck, alloy trucks and PU wheels.
Reviewers comment on the maneuverability, durability of the wheels, and the smooth ride this board delivers. “At such a low price compared to other skateboards... it's amazing how good it [is].... It's a great board for both beginners as well as experienced skaters, and I couldn't be more pleased,” says one reviewer, while another says, “I recommend 10/10, especially for a newbie.”
Get the Beleev complete beginner skateboard at Amazon for $42.99
2. A well-balanced skateboard that's perfect for beginners
A great beginner board that's praised for it's excellent balance, the 8-inch deck makes for a bigger surface for kids that are just starting out.
Reviewers love this board for the quality wheels and its easy maneuvering. In fact, more than one reviewer has commented on this being a neighborhood favorite, so don’t be surprised if your kid’s friends want to use this board instead of their own.
This board also comes with a repair kit, if your kid is a bit accident prone.
Get the Scientoy 8-inch Skateboard complete skateboard at Amazon for $32.99
3. A smaller skateboard from an American company
If you want a board that's proportionally sized to your kid SkateXS, out of Carlsbad, California (a mecca for skateboarding fanatics and retired pro-boarders), is committed to making perfectly sized boards for the smaller skater set. Their proportionally-sized boards are made with the beginner in mind. They are specifically made for kids 5 to 12, offer softer brushings and slightly softer wheels for easier maneuvering, and come in some seriously cool designs—they can even be personalized! If this brand is garnering respect in Carlsbad, it has to be good!
Shop SkateXS boards on Amazon for $143.95
3. An American-made plastic skateboard
This American-made, Santa Barbara-based company makes quality plastic boards that are great for all ages and abilities.
The scored, plastic deck makes this a comfortable starter board that won’t leave your kiddo scratched up from sandpaper grip tape. It also comes with large, stable, PU wheels, which give this board better stability overall. These boards are lightweight, incredibly portable and they come with a lifetime warranty.
Get the Swell plastic skateboard starting at $87
4. A stellar starter skateboard with a smooth ride
Soft wheels, a durable deck and bold designs make this a high-performing starter board that kids will feel cool riding. This versatile board comes in a classic shape that gives lots of stability to beginner riders, and reviewers praise this for being a board that gives a smooth, easy to control ride.
As one reviewer says, “Why wouldn’t you buy this board… This looks and feels just like an expensive name brand board from a company that’s huge in the skating industry.” This terrific budget board also comes with a 1-year warranty that covers any defects.
Get the Cal 7 complete standard skateboard at Amazon for $49.99
5. A well-priced skateboard that is pro-approved
A core skateboard brand that was founded by pro-boarder Rodney Mullen, Enjoi is an affordable brand that’s recommended by those in the know. Betts says that Enjoi is a brand that he recommends to students who want a quality board with great features.
The smooth ride of this board will make your kid feel like a pro fast. This board is also highly recommended as an upgrade if you have a kid who is showing their love for the sport but wants something more substantial as they up their game.
Get the Enjoi complete skateboard at Amazon starting at $74.99
6. An affordable set, with premium wheels
Originally a skateboard wheel company, Darkstar has expanded to full boards under the guidance of skating pro Chet Thomas. Their move to complete boards has been met with great reviews. This is another entry-level, under $100 board that Betts recommends. These completes are known for their smooth handling and durability.
Get the Darkstar complete skateboard set at Amazon starting at $74.99
7. A budget skateboard that’s good for speed
A fun little plastic board for budget boarders. The PU wheels combined with carbon bearings allow for a smooth ride at incredible speeds. We also really like the 5” trucks that allow for better balance for beginners and maneuverability for kids who want to take their riding up a notch.
Get the Retrospec Quip at Amazon for $29.99
8. A colorful plastic beginner skateboard that’s a smaller size
While we maintain that it’s better to start on bigger boards, if you feel you must have a smaller board, this is the favorite of all the ones we’ve found. Its light-up wheels and cool and funky designs make it a fun ride. The plastic deck makes it little kid friendly, and the 6” deck makes it a smaller size that’s perfectly portable for younger kids.
Get the Merkapa 22" Complete Skateboard with light up wheels at Amazon for $45.77
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 9 beginner skateboards for kids
